Layton Construction is constructing a 14-story replacement for St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings, Montana, which is scheduled to be completed in spring of 2029. This 737,000-square-foot Level I trauma center will serve patients across Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
The project is being built on a tight downtown site located near a working hospital, with some construction areas sitting less than 20 feet from the fence line. To manage the impact on the community, Layton has implemented several strategies, including renting a parking garage in downtown Billings and running shuttles for more than 500 construction workers. Additionally, the team uses water to hose down surrounding areas to prevent dust from affecting patients, visitors, or road safety.
Lee Boyles, President of St. Vincent Regional Hospital, stated that Layton's ability to collaborate and use an Integrated Project Delivery approach allowed the team to suggest vertical design strategies. This approach helps minimize confusion and excess walking for patients and caregivers while accommodating the growing community within limited property lines. Boyles noted that the contractor has been a great partner to the neighborhood, the university, and the city of Billings.
The construction involves complex coordination, such as managing up to 20 concrete trucks a day during certain periods. Layton Senior Superintendent Brandon Bergener noted the need to coordinate with various neighbors, including residents, a college, a working hospital with a busy helipad, and an international airport located above the site. Bergener, a Billings resident, emphasized that the team aims to minimize disruption to the community.
The need for the replacement hospital is driven by population growth in Billings, which has increased by 5,000 people over the last six years. A recent University of Montana report found that healthcare is among Montana's top five fastest-growing industries, adding more than 5,200 jobs over the past five years.
